AISS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Where can I get information about scholarships?

A: The "Scholarships" drop-down link on the navigation bar above is a good place to start. The drop-down menu will display several choices: UNM for UNM-specific scholarships; Private for scholarships from organizations outside of the University; or Tribal for scholarships that are specific to students that are enrolled members of New Mexico tribes.

Q: Does AISS provide scholarships?

A: Yes. AISS offers American Indian Student Services General Scholarships to full-time students in good academic standing that have completed at least one semester of coursework at the UNM-Main Campus and are enrolled members of federally recognized tribes. The application deadline is May 15th annually and awardees are selected for the upcoming academic year. For example, completed applications received for the May 15, 2023 deadline cycle will result in award decisions for the 2023-2024 academic year. Access the application form & document requirements on the Scholarships link and the UNM scholarships listing.

Q: What is a Financial Needs Analysis (FNA)? How do I request one?

A: A Financial Needs Analysis (FNA) is a special form requested by a tribal scholarship organization that provides details of a student's current financial aid status, awards, and unmet need. FNAs are processed by the UNM Financial Aid Office. 

Click here for details about how to request a Financial Needs Analysis (FNA). 

Q: What is a Degree Plan Checklist? How do I get one?

A: A Degree Plan Checklist is useful to review the courses and requirements remaining until graduation. Many scholarships organizations require a Degree Plan Checklist to ensure that you are making progress toward your selected degree.

Click here for details about how to complete a Degree Plan Checklist and to schedule an appointment with an AISS Advisor.

Q: What is the AISS Weekly Announcements?

A: The AISS Weekly Announcements are an information communications alert that includes registration/academic deadlines, current scholarship opportunities, job announcements, volunteer experiences, campus activities, and AISS social & cultural programming information. The message is sent out to members every Monday throughout the academic year.

Q: How do I sign up to receive the AISS Weekly Announcements?

A:  You will automatically be added to the Weekly Announcements membership when you complete a Connect With Us form http://aiss.unm.edu/connect-with-us/index.html.

Q: How do I check my Financial Aid Status?

A: To check the status of your Financial Aid:

  • Login to my.unm.edu with your UNM NetID and password.
  • Click Enter LoboWeb.
  • Select Financial Aid tab
    • Overall Status of Your Financial Aid - View Overall Status, Holds, Academic Progress, Cost of Attendance, Financial Aid Awards, and Messages for the selected School Year.
    • Eligibility Requirements - Review Financial Aid Holds (which may prevent payment of awards) Student Requirements, Requirements Messages, Academic Progress history.
    • Award Info Menu - Review Financial Aid Holds (which may prevent payment of awards) Student Requirements, Requirements Messages, Academic Progress history.
Q: What is the Bursar's Office and what do they do?

A: The Bursar's Office is the central billing office for tuition, fees, and other UNM-related charges incurred by students. The Bursar's primary responsibility is to educate students and their families about their financial responsibility to the University. This is done by providing transparent and timely information as well as dependable customer service.

Q: How do I check my Bursar Account?

A: To check the status of your Student Account (Bursar):

  • Login to my.unm.edu with your UNM NetID and password.
  • Click Enter LoboWeb
  • Then select the Student tab
    • Click the "Make Payments, Setup Direct Deposit, View Bill, Payment Plans, View Enrollment Cancellation Balance, etc."
    • Click the "BURSAR ACCOUNT SUITE" to view your student account (opens in new window).
Q: How do I connect with the UNM Bursar's Office?

A: The best way to connect with the UNM Bursar is through their website - bursar.unm.edu.

Q: What is FAF$A-FOR-U?

A: FAF$A-FOR-U is a personalized step-by-step assistance & instruction session available to anyone completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) designed to ensure students meet the UNM annual Priority Filing Date. FAF$A-FOR-U events are FREE and occur at American Indian Student Services (1119 Mesa Vista Hall). Check aiss.unm.edu for FAF$A-FOR-U Session times and dates or schedule an individual FAFSA appointment by calling 505.277.6343.

Q: Do I need to bring anything to a FAF$A-FOR-U session?

A: Be prepared with the following information & documents:

  • FSA IDs for parent and student
  • Completed Federal Tax Return(s) for parent(s) and student
    • For 2022-2023 academic year: Bring 2020 Tax Information
    • For 2023-2024 academic year: Bring 2021 Tax Information
  • Copies of W-2(s) for parent(s) and student
Q: What is an "Advisement" Hold?

A: An Advisement Hold is typically applied to your student account to ensure you meet with your respective College/Department Academic Advisor to review semester progress, and discuss/approve the following semester’s course schedule. Colleges & Departments may name their holds differently. To view holds:

  • Login to my.unm.edu with your UNM NetID and password
  • Click "Enter LoboWeb"
  • Select the "Student" tab
  • Click "Registration & Records"
  • Under the Registration section, Click "View Holds"

Students with an Advisement Hold must meet with their respective Department or College Advisor. For example, a student pursuing a degree in Biology must meet with an Advisor from the Biology Department or their designated College of Arts & Sciences Advisor.

Q: Can I get support from AISS if I am on Academic Probation?

A: If you are placed on probation by your degree granting college (e.g. College of Arts & Sciences, School of Engineering, College of Education & Human Sciences, etc.), AISS Advisors are available to provide support during your academic probation semester to discuss a strategy for a successful semester – including, but not limited to regular check-in meetings, a study plan, and campus involvement. After a comprehensive discussion has been completed, AISS Advisors are able to endorse your Academic Probation documentation. Schedule an appointment with an AISS Advisor via LoboAchieve.

Q: What is a Waiver of non-resident tuition rates for tribal students?

A: A member of an Indian nation, tribe or pueblo that is located wholly or partially in New Mexico, regardless of the residence of the member prior to acceptance, is charged at resident rates. Evidence of membership (Certificate of Indian Blood or Proof of Tribal Enrollment) must be emailed to UNM Admissions at apply@unm.edu OR mailed to PO Box 4895, Albuquerque, NM 87196-4895 no later than the 3rd Friday of the fall or spring semester.

Q: How do I get involved on campus?

A: There are numerous ways to get involved! AISS hosts many social, cultural, & student success events throughout the year - stay in the loop by following AISS (@aissunm) on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat AND sign up for the AISS Weekly Announcements by completing a Connect With Us form at http://aiss.unm.edu/connect-with-us/index.html. AISS also works closely with UNM Chartered Native Student Organizations - find more details & contact information by clicking here.

There are 400+ student organizations at UNM! The Student Activities Center maintains a directory of student organizations, student events, and offers one-on-one consultation with knowledgeable staff who'll help you become #UNMInvolved: https://sac.unm.edu.